Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to enhancing bilateral relations with Indonesia during the second Indonesia-Africa Forum, which took place from September 1-3, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia.
The forum, a pivotal platform for advancing economic cooperation and strategic partnerships, highlighted the untapped potential between the two regions and outlined the pathways for future collaboration.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, led the Nigerian delegation in high-profile discussions.
The forum brought together Heads of State, government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders across Africa and Indonesia, offering a unique opportunity to explore mutual interests and address shared challenges.
Idris emphasized Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to building a stronger partnership with Indonesia.
“The Indonesia-Africa Forum is a catalyst for a new era of cooperation, aimed at propelling both our countries toward a brighter and more prosperous future,” he said.
He highlighted Nigeria’s focus on leveraging its strengths and resources to drive economic transformation, enhance energy and mining sectors, and improve food and health security.
Additionally, the forum placed significant emphasis on the digital economy as a critical pillar for future collaboration.
The forum underscored the considerable economic and demographic potential of both regions.
Africa and Indonesia together represent over 1.7 billion people and a combined GDP of USD 4.4 trillion. This immense market potential and economic capacity set the stage for enhanced trade, investment, and development cooperation.
One of the key discussion points was the need for Africa to evolve from being a mere exporter of raw materials to becoming a centre of production and industrialization.
The forum specifically highlighted the importance of the trans-Saharan Gas pipeline project, involving Nigeria, Algeria, and Morocco, as a critical infrastructure initiative that could significantly boost regional economic integration and energy security.
Nigeria’s active role in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its leadership within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were central themes of the discussions.
Idris stressed President Tinubu’s comprehensive agenda for economic reforms, security, and governance.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to enhance regional trade and infrastructure through its leadership in ECOWAS and its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The forum provided a platform to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration and economic development.
The discussions emphasized the need for closer collaboration between Nigeria and Indonesia to achieve sustainable growth and development across both regions.
The event also paid tribute to the 1955 Asia-Africa Forum, known as the Bandung Spirit, which laid the groundwork for Asia-Africa relations.
The forum called for increased interaction between the continents, focusing on trade, investment, and development cooperation.
